Record-breaking cold forecast for East Coast

Crews along the East Coast are scrambling to remove debris and snow left by Thursday’s winter storm before temperatures drop to record-breaking lows over the weekend. The storm brought historic coastal flooding to New England, prompting rescue crews to wade into icy water to reach stranded residents. The cold front gusting over the area Friday will plunge temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees in Philadelphia and Boston, with a slightly warmer 15 degrees forecast for Maryland and Virginia. The Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts are expected to face the worst cold—minus 35 degrees. The arctic blast will even reach into Southern states, bringing freezing temperatures as far south as northern Florida. Seven people have died so far in accidents related to the storm, which curtailed air and rail service and closed schools and businesses.